WHAT: Transportation officials will “whip congestion” with a $275 million project adding carpool lanes between San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano. The project is funded by Measure M, the half-cent sales tax approved by Orange County voters.

WHY: The San Diego Freeway (I-5) is a vital north-south route for all of Southern California and weekend traffic notoriously congests this segment in South Orange County. The improvements will ease traffic flow and remove bottlenecks. In 2009, 8,870 vehicles traveled south of San Juan Creek Road in the peak afternoon hour, giving that area a “D” rating. This project will improve existing conditions by one full level of service throughout the project area.